[m635csi]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to this forum, having lurked for a couple of weeks. I've enjoyed reading all the posts and have learned lots of useful info. Thanks.

I have a question re using the emergency plastic key/and fob. I did a search, but couldn't find the answer.

I just moved to a new parking garage for work, and it's valet only. I gave the valets, whom I trust, one of the two regular fobs, but I like having 2 fully functional fobs at home.

As a solution, I was thinking about giving the valets one of the metal key inserts from the fobs, so they can work the doors/trunk, and the emergency fob with plastic key inserted for starting the car.

My question is: can the emergency fob/plastic key for the ignition withstand that kind of daily use (for ignition use only, not for locking/unlocking the doors), or will it do damage to the fob/plastic key and/or the ignition switch?

Thanks in advance.

[Pretender]

Originally Posted by m635csi

Hi all,
...
My question is: can the emergency fob/plastic key for the ignition withstand that kind of daily use (for ignition use only, not for locking/unlocking the doors), or will it do damage to the fob/plastic key and/or the ignition switch?

Thanks in advance.

The direct answer:
Fob/plastic key is for emergency only, not for every day use. The plastic key can open the door, glove compartment and maybe trunk too. The plastic fob is not functional without the plastic key inserted in it.

The regular keyfob without the metal key insert is the valet key. If you disable the trunk remote feature (switch to the left in the glove box), lock the glove box and give the fob without metal key to the valet, it should be okay. The valet now can only lock/unlock and start the car. He can't open the glove box or trunk at all.

If you want to have 2 fully functional keys with you, then order an extra one for the valet. It should cost less than $300.

[cal99_99]

What? BMW only gave us one full function key fob and one emergency key!!!

[Chesmu]

Originally Posted by cal99_99

What? BMW only gave us one full function key fob and one emergency key!!!

you was robbed!

[CALIF65GM]

Go back to your dealer and complain. For 06 cars, 2 full fobs plus the emergency key.

Although the plastic key is going away for 07MY.

[ward]

Originally Posted by CALIF65GM

Go back to your dealer and complain. For 06 cars, 2 full fobs plus the emergency key.

Although the plastic key is going away for 07MY.

sounds like he does have that to me, he just gave a key to the valet, and wants 2 at home (3 total)

[cal99_99]

i guess I misunderstood what he meant.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by cal99_99

i guess I misunderstood what he meant.

regardless, you should have gotten two electronic keys and the emergency key.